Children explain how you make Friends

Seven in 10 parents worry their child won’t make friends when starting school, according to research.

A poll of 1,000 parents found the top concerns among those with kids starting school, with 71 per cent citing ‘settling in’ as their biggest worry.

Three in 10 stress about their little ones being able to manage going to the toilet by themselves, and a fifth can’t guarantee their kids will behave all day.

The research was conducted by Disney Junior’s show Vampirina, who also produced a video guide to help kids make new playmates.

Psychologist Linda Blair said: “To make friends children must be able to consider life from other people’s points of view so they can appreciate and react to what others want to do and enjoy.

“Although young children show they’re capable of appreciating other viewpoints, they don’t normally apply this skill until they’re about five years old.

“This is why it’s important to start introducing them to this skill at a young age. Once they can understand empathy it will feel like second nature to them to behave in those adaptive ways.

“It’s natural for the whole family to feel nervous on your child’s first day at school—and remember, other parents will be feeling nervous as well.

“You can help create a welcoming atmosphere by offering a genuine compliment to another parent about their child’s behaviour and/or appearance.”

The research also found 70 per cent of parents cite confidence as a key quality in making friends, while 53 per cent think shared interests is the best way to make a new pal.

It is not just the children that parents and guardians worry about, with 55 per cent saying they themselves are anxious about making new adult friends.

Well over half of adults admit they lost friends as they got older, and 36 per cent confessed they wish it was as easy to make friends as an adult as it was during childhood.

David Levine, General Manager of Disney Channels UK & Ireland said: “Disney Junior’s Vampirina is a show about making new friends so we’re delighted to lend our characters to help both children and parents settle into school in what is an exciting, but often anxious time, for all involved.

“It’s fantastic that TV shows such as Vampirina can spark conversations around everyday problems that ordinarily may be difficult for parents and children, and in turn offer support by showing solutions.”

The top 10 concerns for parents when their child starts school

1. Settling in
2. Making Friends
3. Going to the toilet
4. Misbehaving
5. Liking their teacher
6. Not eating their lunch
7. Losing their belongings
8. Not drinking enough water
9. Getting lost
10. Being bottom of the class